Great British Beer Festival

The Great British Beer Festival is an annual event in London, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), showcasing hundreds of British and international beers, ciders, and perries. Held over five days in August, it features tastings, pub games, live music, and the Champion Beer of Britain awards.

• Over 900 different beverages on offer, including 450+ British beers
• Champion Beer of Britain awards announced mid-week
• Staffed by around 1,000 unpaid volunteers
• Live music and traditional pub games add to the festivities
• Held at Olympia, London, during the first full week of August

What it is

The Great British Beer Festival is a major gathering for beer lovers, bringing together a vast selection of cask ales, ciders, perries, and international brews under one roof. Organised by CAMRA, the festival is often described as the 'biggest pub in the world', offering visitors a chance to sample a wide range of beverages and enjoy the lively atmosphere of British pub culture. It is a highlight of the year for brewers, drinkers, and volunteers alike, celebrating the diversity and craftsmanship of real ale and traditional drinks.

Where it comes from

The festival traces its roots to a large beer event held by CAMRA in Covent Garden, London, in 1975, which drew 40,000 visitors. The first official Great British Beer Festival took place in 1977 at Alexandra Palace. Since then, the event has moved between various venues and cities, but has been held in London since 1991. The festival has only missed a few years, notably due to a venue fire in 1984 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

How it is celebrated

During the festival, visitors can explore around 900 different beverages, including at least 450 British beers and a significant selection of foreign brews from countries such as Belgium, Germany, and the USA. Traditional British cider and perry are also featured. The event is staffed by about 1,000 unpaid volunteers, creating a friendly and communal atmosphere. Alongside beer tasting, attendees can enjoy live music, traditional pub games, and a variety of food stands, making it a festive and social occasion. The announcement of the Champion Beer of Britain is a key highlight, drawing attention from brewers and enthusiasts across the country.

Joining in

The main celebrations take place at Olympia in London, typically during the first full week of August. Visitors can expect a bustling crowd, a wide range of drinks to sample, and plenty of entertainment. Sessions are open to the public from Tuesday evening through Saturday, with the Tuesday afternoon reserved for trade and press. Whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the festival offers a welcoming environment to discover new flavours and enjoy the best of British pub culture.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Great British Beer Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Great British Beer Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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